Greener Future: The Evolution of Sustainability Trends in Papermaking

20 May 2024

In the heart of Asia's bustling economies, a transformative shift is underway. The paper industry has made significant strides in moving towards a greener, more sustainable future. This transformation is driven by a confluence of factors: technological innovations, regulatory initiatives, and a growing consumer demand for sustainably made products.

Sustainable Forestry: Planting the Seeds of Change

Certification schemes like the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC)helps promote sustainable forest management through independent third-party certification. Our commitment to sustainable forestry practices is evident in our adherence to these international standards. APRIL Group’s production facilities have been certified under PEFC Chain of Custody (CoC) standards, ensuring our wood fibre is sourced from sustainably managed forests and controlled sources. APRIL’s PaperOne™ products have also been certified by the Singapore Environmental Council’s (SEC) Green Label under its enhanced Singapore Green Label Scheme (SGLS) for pulp and paper products since 2013.

The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification, easily identified as PEFC on a white and green label on PaperOne packaging, is an international non-profit and non-governmental organisation that provides independent, third-party certifications to ensure the sustainable use of forest resources.

Energy Efficiency: Powering the Future

A lot of progress has been made in enhancing in energy efficiency in the industry. In our efforts towards sustainability, our mill in Kerinci, Indonesia is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to manage energy consumption. Our use of renewable biomass energy sourced from production residues has reduced reliance on fossil fuels, lowering carbon emissions and setting a benchmark for others to follow.

1MW of solar panels at our operations in Pangkalan Kerinci as part of a project to install 20MW by 2025. When completed it will be one of the largest solar installations by a private company in Indonesia.

Water Stewardship: A Ripple Effect

Water conservation is another critical area of focus. Paper mills recycle and reuse water to minimise waste. This approach not only conserves a precious resource but also reduces the impact of effluents on surrounding ecosystems.

APRIL Group’s mills use high levels of internal recycling, minimising waste.

The Path Forward: A Collaborative Effort

The journey towards sustainability is one that cannot be travelled alone. It requires collaboration between industry players, governments, and civil society. Initiatives like APRIL’s Sustainable Forestry Management Policy (SFMP) 2.0 demonstrate the potential for collective action. By working together, stakeholders can drive innovation, share best practices, and scale up efforts to create a more sustainable paper industry.

In conclusion, Asia's paper industry is at a crossroads. The path it chooses will have profound implications for the environment and future generations. Our goal is to drive change within the industry by leading the way in sustainability as not just a necessity but an opportunity for growth and innovation.